The Nepali Congress has termed the parliamentary committee’s rejection of the chief justice nominee as violation of the principle of separation of powers.

“The NC views this incident not for or against selection of a certain individual but against the principle of separation of powers,” the opposition party said in a statement on Saturday. The NC stated that the PHC decision was not guided by a specific law and that the committee had toed a “political line” for final decision.

“The Constitutional Council meeting chaired by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had recommended Joshee’s name on the PM’s proposal. With Joshee’s rejection, it has raised questions over PM Oli’s moral responsibility and his dual role,” reads the statement. The NC warned the government to seriously follow democratic values and processes. Talking to the Post, NC Chief Whip Balkrishna Khand said they had decided to raise the issue of interference in the judiciary at Parliament and to take it to the people besides holding interactions with experts. (PR)